There are many forms of dementia, including Alzheimers disease. Its typically seen in older adults [13]and has been linked to impairments in memory. Normal pressure hydrocephalus. What Is A Reversible Condition Which Could Be Mistaken For Dementia? However, when the yeast infection was eliminated, memory and confusion went away. The alcoholic dementia symptoms are varied, and this health condition can be influenced by two important factors such as Wernicke's encephalopathy and the Korsakoff syndrome. Gluten can also cause an immune reaction in the gut, breaking down its all-important immune system. Signs of extreme dehydration can impact the following: Treatment: Dementia symptoms usually go away when the body is replenished with fluids. 56(5), 240. When the bodys immune function is low, candida (see below) and other opportunistic organisms will grow out of hand. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. People with delirium have an altered awareness that mainly affects their attention. Thank you for caring about our good health and leading by example. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Depression, dementia and mental impairment are tied to B12 and also to folate deficiencies, especially in the elderly. [5], Infections are a bit tricky in the elderly. Depression can make a person LACK motivation and have problems with paying attention or feeling lethargic about . Extreme fatigue Certain physical and lifestyle factors can raise your chances of dementia, including: Age. Other times they might not notice it. Dementia Praecox was the type of dementia that involved brain lesions post mortem. The B vitamins represent a group of essential dietary nutrients that work together and are absolutely essential for every aspect of brain and nerve function. Brain imaging scans can also help diagnosis. As a result, drugs and other toxins tend to accumulate in the body. This may lead to frustration, aggression, and behavioral changes. That's because anticholinergic drugsblock brain chemicals used for learning, memory, and muscle functions. The good news is that these cognitive symptoms are largely reversible with the proper thyroid hormone treatment. And for these tests, its best not to coach them so the healthcare provider can get a clear picture of how things are. difficulty speaking and communicating If you think your loved one is experiencing dementia symptoms due to one of the conditions above, talk to their doctor. Cloudy or even pink or brown colored urine In fact, according to Harvard Health, there are more than 50 conditions that can cause or mimic the symptoms of dementia. Delirium is a mental state that causes confusion and disorientation, and it is typically caused by acute illness or drug intoxication. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) manifest differently in seniors than in younger adults. Privacy&Terms. Other symptoms of dementia of various types include: short-term memory loss Fast heart rate Many people with a low thyroid will have trouble converting T3 to T4, especially if they have poor gut health. Once treatment is completed, the dementia should be reversible. Participants taking the anti-cholinergic drugs also tested worst on memory tests. If you search out dementia online, youre likely to find that it is characterized by a persistent and progressive deterioration of cognitive function.[1]Persistent and progressive. In a 2017 study, in 3 months, 60 elderly patients were hospitalized for delirium with infection as the cause. Medications are also common culprits in mental decline and dementia. The cause of dementia may be disease or injury that changes the brain. Typical dementia symptoms and signs include the following: Sometimes, these dementia signs are also seen in other health conditions due to effects on the brain. Stomach acids required to break down and absorb vitamins decline with age. A 2016 study published in JAMA Neurology shows brain imaging that detects how anti-cholinergic drugs impact the brain. Other things that can cause yeast to grow out of control include: Antibiotics The speed of deterioration differs between individuals. Most cases of dementia are not reversible, but there are treatment options that may slow progression. 1. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distresscan all produce symptoms that can be mistaken as early signs of dementia, such as communication and memory difficulties and behavioural changes. The classic symptoms of gluten sensitivity show up as bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, cramping and nutrient deficiencies. . Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Your loved one may be diagnosed with new conditions, be prone to more infections, and begin to depend on multiple medications. They can manifest as memory loss, general sluggishness, a flitting attention span, and depressed or apathetic mood.[6]. Some of these symptoms include balance problems, fatigue, and impaired thinking and reasoning. Delirium is only one of a long list of reversible or partly reversible medical conditions that can mimic MaND and mislead the doctors into assigning the wrong diagnosis. Emmady PD, Tadi P. Dementia. Alzheimers itself does not have a specific test to determine its presence; doctors merely rely on a cluster of symptoms to recognize it. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in the brains cavities. Behavior can include confusion, agitation, withdrawal, fantasy stories, manic episodes, yelling, crying and agitation. Is it something Im taking? Medications that can mimic dementia. Reversible dementias. Its a disorder caused by complex brain changes. Sometimes its hard for them to communicate that theres something wrong. Most diets are lacking in B vitamins in sufficient quantities to supply what is needed. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. A reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia is hypothyroidisma condition in which the thyroid gland doesnt create and release enough thyroid hormone into ones bloodstream. Factors Related to the Severity of Delirium in the Elderly Patients With Infection. The fungus penetrated the blood-brain barrier and triggered a type of inflammatory response that created amyloid structures (similar to Alzheimers patients) around the yeasts in the brain. 1. Your blog is one of the best Ive read, do well researched and informative. A TBI is diagnosed by health care professionals through an evaluation of how the injury happened and an examination of brain functions, reflexes, and senses. Anti-cholinergic drugs include some antihistamines like Benadryl, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Food allergies One out of 8 participants were deficient in B12 and one in 7 deficient in folate, with deficiencies increasing with age. Is delirium mistaken for dementia? If youre caring for a loved one with dementia at home, consider exploring AgingCares online support group for caregivers for helpful tips and advice. This is because low thyroid hormone levels or hypothyroidism can cause cognitive impairments similar to dementia. (2020, July 9). Samuels, M. H. (2015, October 1). NPH is a neurological disorder marked by impaired bladder control, walking abnormalities, and dementia-like symptoms (e.g., lack of attention and focus, loss of motor control, and loss of complex cognitive function). Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is not producing enough active thyroid hormones, either T3 or T4. With a TBI, its important that long-term steps are taken to support continued brain health after the injury. By utilizing MRI and PET scan imaging technology, the researchers were able to show how people taking anti-cholinergic drugs experienced lower brain metabolism and higher brain atrophy. Vegans cannot get B12 from their diets, and so are often deficient in B12, as well as people who take metformin for diabetes. Alternatively, if you believe your loved one does have dementia, it is important totrack their dementia symptomsand report these to their doctor so their doctor can properly diagnose them. Depression, nutritional deficiencies, side-effects from medications and emotional distress can all cause symptoms that can be mistaken for early signs of dementia. Some of the natural solutions to candida overgrowth include oregano extract capsules, pau darco tea or capsules, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, curcumin, kombucha tea, probiotics and garlic extract. Aspiration pneumonia may also happen when food enters the wrong track, as may happen with older adults who have less control of their laryngeal muscles. National Library of Medicine. This can cause confusion that makes it look like their mental abilities are affected. List the three stages of . Symptoms associated with dementia may include memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, according to the Mayo Clinic. The same thing goes with environmental allergies. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. In fact, most research on B vitamins shows that they actually should be taken at levels well above the current dietary recommendations. Altered mental status generally refers to the change in cognition or level of consciousness, as we have mentioned earlier. People with thyroid problems can also experience brain fog and decreased concentration. Delirium Delirium happens when there is a sudden change in the brain that causes emotional disruption and mental confusion. Delirium may cause dementia-like symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. BrightFocus Foundation. Identifying Reversible Conditions Mistaken For Dementia Written by Randell S. in Health & Care, Alzheimers & Dementia Last Updated December 27, 2022 Dementia is often marked by depression, confusion, and memory loss. This Common Condition Can Easily Be Mistaken for Dementia, Experts Say Conditions that involve cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer'sa progressive disease that is the most common cause. What is a reversible condition that could be mistaken for dementia? Illnesses including diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease . Irreversible dementia causes changes in behavior and personality. Additionally, delirium causes brain fog and fluctuations between drowsiness and alertness, whereas dementia doesnt affect consciousness. People with dementia demonstrate impairments in their cognitive function. [3], Earlier, we mentioned that doctors might take a patients thyroid hormone levels when evaluating dementia. Generic Name. Memory functioning is usually less affected in delirium but the ability to focus and maintain attention to something or . delirium & depression can be mistaken for false dementia (pseudodementia) delirium is usually temporary or reversible, it occurs w/ physical & mental illness. Can dementia be cured? Many frequently prescribed medications have anticholinergic properties or properties that block the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger important for muscle control, learning, memory, and attention. He has been studying nutrition and exercise for almost 25 years, ever since being a young teenager. If someone doesn't get enough of either of these vitamins, they can have symptoms that could be mistaken for dementia. The symptoms include psychosis, disorientation, memory loss, and confusion. Required fields are marked *. Estrogen actually tends to help prevent UTIs in younger females. Known as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), it has similar symptoms of dementia. Light, continuous bruising or bleeding on the brain can also lead to dementia. Our mission is to help seniors stay independent and healthy for as long as possible. The most common causes of reversible dementia are depression, delirium, and drug toxicity. Depending on their location, brain tumors can affect cognitive function and cause confusion, memory loss, and changes in personality. Weakened immune system Sleep problems can cause dementia-like symptoms such as trouble focusing, mental fatigue, confusion, and irritability. Takada LT, Caramelli P, Radanovic M, et al. The decreasing prevalence of reversible dementias. People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and do their normal activities. After all, dementia has no cure. Instead, it has a relatively poor prognosis, with 35% of those diagnosed passing on within the first year and 60% within the next five years.[1]. One can replenish by the consumption of clear fluids or in some cases, through IV fluids. Delirium is common, particularly among older people in hospital. [3] The causes may differ depending on the country, with a study done in Brazil showing that infection was the predominant cause. These drugs and their side effects can cause dementia-like symptoms in people without previous cognitive issues. Memory improvement with treatment of hypothyroidism. Try cranberry juice. When the patient's condition is labeled incorrectly, some terrible things begin to happen. And, if you look at these results across the general public, that means that air pollution, including high ozone levels, can be responsible for about 21% of dementia cases. Anti-anxiety and Sleeping-Pill Medications (Benzodiazepines) Lorazepam, Diazepam, Temazepam, Clonazepam. Medications with significant anticholinergic properties include: Dementia symptoms related to anticholinergic medicationscan include [05]: Treatment: Drug-induced dementia is usually reversible with the discontinuation of the offending drug or alteration of the patients current medications. Older adults already have less of these key brain chemicals because our bodies produce less as we age. [4], Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. They can range from a few simple ones, such as a complete blood count, to the more specific ones like thyroid function tests. All of these factors may affect their cognitive function, resulting in a potential dementia diagnosis or, in the best case scenario, a reversible form of dementia. (2021, June 16). Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is a significant cause of reversible cognitive impairment. Did you know that older women who live in areas where air pollution is worse are 92% more likely to develop dementia than those who live in areas with cleaner air, according to a 2017 study. Previously, Nirali worked in social media and marketing, edited a regional senior magazine, and wrote for the American Red Cross. Symptoms of normal pressure hydrocephalus can include the following[14]: Treatment: The treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus involves surgical placement of a hollow tube in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid into the abdomen where it can be absorbed as a part of the normal circulatory process. Dementia: A person's level of alertness is typically not affected until the late stages of Alzheimer's, whereas memory is significantly affected throughout the disease. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. Especially in the elderly, delirium may be triggered by several problems. Ativan, Valium, Restoril, Klonopin. People with dementia are at a higher risk of having delirium. TBI symptoms typically appear at the time of injury, or soon after, but in some cases, they may not develop for days or weeks. The primary difference between dementia and these other conditions is that with dementia, the symptoms materially interfere with the daily life of the person who has . [3] The most common cause of these reversible dementias were head injuries, with alcohol as a close second. General hypothyroidism can be tested by a simple TSH test, but this should not be the only test performed. People who possess the MTHFR gene variant (present in 50-70% of population), or who have Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or problems with their gut microbiome may also be susceptible to B vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 and B9 (folate). 27(1), 26-29. Candida albicans is a common species of a type of fungus that grows naturally in the human gut, mouth, and vagina. Drug-induced dementia. And this may not be the feared persistent and progressive deterioration, and we may still get our loved ones back cognitively. The dementia symptoms tied to other systemic diseases, nutritional, endocrine, or psychiatric disorders, and substance abuse, for example, are often reversible in someone under 65. difficulty recognizing loved ones and familiar faces Among older people, depression can cause memory impairment and disorientation. It happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. [ 2] Hi! It can also cause speech problems, changes in mood and behavior, headache, nausea, and vision problems. Mold allergies and mold toxicity, however, are two different things and you do not have to be allergic to mold to react negatively to toxins in the mold. Your email address will not be published. It is important to have a full thyroid panel done to show T3, T4 and free and total levels as well. [15], Vitamin B12 deficiencyis common in seniors, and it has been linked to increasing levels of cognitive decline and vascular risk factors.[16]. Sometimes, they may have problems doing things they used to do, such as getting dressed for a party or preparing their food. 7 Reversible Health Conditions That Can Mimic Dementia. apathy I'm a senior care specialist trained to match you with the care option that is best for you. Staying tuned in to your health and that of your loved ones will help you be aware of any of these reversible conditions, so that you can stop the damage and restore brain health to live a long, healthy and happy life. A good nights sleep is critical for healthy brain function. Dementia is often tricky to spot. a reversible condition which could be mistaken for dementia is A. Depression B. Types of Reversible Dementia. In other similar cases, the celiac symptoms and mental decline occurred simultaneously. Depression is a common reversible dementia condition. Can depression be mistaken for dementia? Delirium is a change in mental state that develops quickly and can become very serious. Head trauma can even be life threatening, so its important to take aggressive steps to care for any head injury until dementia symptoms eventually dissipate. poor nutrition. . Adan, A., (2013, June 6). Reversible dementia is a type of dementia where it is often a side effect or a symptom of the underlying disease. Some medications have even been linked to cognitive decline. The connection between celiac disease and mental deterioration is not fully known but it could be a combination of several factors. even if the test for celiac disease is negative. You can try to read passages from the "Dementia Praecox . Dont let the doctor just diagnose dementia for you or any of your loved ones without checking into the below health issues, which can mimic dementiaand are often reversible. Another problem with gluten is overall increase in inflammation in the body, which can trigger dementia and brain fog. Symptoms of a head injury that mimic dementia symptoms include memory problems, mental slowness, mood swings, and brain fog. Low thyroid levels affect the entire body and also affect brain function and mood. Older adults, especially if they have dementia, can be SeniorHomeSeeker is the #1 website for seniors looking for information on resources, products and services. Early symptoms of a slow-growing brain tumor can often mimic those of dementia. However, for some people the decline can be sudden and rapid. forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, but is potentially reversible . Other symptoms associated with B vitamin deficiency include: Pins and needs feeling in hands and feet It is the brain lesions that could have caused Dementia. Seasonal pollen allergies can cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a foggy-feeling head, which leads to an inability to concentrate, focus and stay alert. 3. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency could include the following: Treatment: Dementia-like symptoms are likely to go away when vitamin B12 levels return to normal with a healthy diet or supplementation. MedLink Neurology. Mike Geary has been a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer for over 15 years now. The condition has been linked to subtle decline in memory and executive function. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. We all have days like that. Lastly, the doctor might request for laboratory tests to be done. While only about 25% of us are vulnerable to mold reactions, a whole family can be living in the same house, but only one family member will react to mold. Toxic mold actually gives off volatile toxic vapors that float around in the air causing a chronic inflammatory response. Coping with a Diagnosis. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. What can delirium be mistaken for? With this procedure, dementia can be controlled or reversed. B vitamins should be taken in higher doses than the recommended daily amount (since they are water soluble and any excess is excreted), and should be in a form that is easily broken down and utilized in the body such as methylcobalamin for B12, and methylfolate for folate. unlike true dementia, these symptoms may be reversible with treatment for depression," according to VeryWell Health. Strict avoidance of all gluten in all foods will stop triggering the celiac/gluten reaction and can help reverse this condition. There are three common causes of altered mental status-- all of which are easy to remember since they start with the letter D: Dementia, Delirium, and Depression. This yeast is mostly harmless, but in many people, it can grow out of control, causing a wide range of health issues including thrush (yeast infection in mouth), vaginal yeast infections, bladder infections, toenail fungus, brain fog and confusion. I was not expecting that there would be so many celiac disease patients with cognitive decline, he said. However, its important to remember that just because a senior has dementia-like symptoms, it doesnt mean they actually have dementia. 1 Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus WIN-Initiative / Neleman / Getty Images Commonly referred to as "water on the brain," normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition where extra spinal fluid gets trapped in the brain instead of traveling through the brain and to the spinal column. At worst, they lose the ability to take care of themselves. By Luisa Coln. If your loved one has reversible dementia-like conditions, the symptoms can go away, or at least be stabilized, once the cause is determined and addressed. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a health condition encountered in patients who lack a certain substance called thiamine. Will All Dementia-Like Symptoms Go Away When The Condition Is Treated? Per the Alzheimers Association, most Alzheimers patients are at least 65 years old. Whereas delirium is considered an acute confusional state that comes and goes, often starting just a few days or weeks ago. The gradual progression of hypothyroidism can make it hard to distinguish from primary dementia. Clinicians sometimes misdiagnose it because other conditions mimic dementia. Flavoring water with fruit like lemon, or using smaller, less daunting glasses, might help. I finally got into a Nurse Practitioner who worked for a D.O at a holistic type of clinic. By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN,co-author of the best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen,The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging&The Diabetes Fix. (2022). 3 . In some cases, a CT scan might even be done. Hypothyroidism often occurs in middle age or elderly people with more females than males affected (about 1 male to every 5 females). Some . However, not everyone who has depression will develop dementia, and vice versa. Celiac disease does major damage to the small intestine and destroys its sensitive lining that absorbs nutrients from food, especially the B vitamins, which have much to do with nerves, the brain and moods. As stated, some antidepressants can also cause signs similar to dementia. Patients with this condition can have memory issues, speech and language problems, personality changes, and confusion. Conditions other than PD may have one or more of these symptoms, mimicking Parkinson's. Listed below are the more . Ellison, J. M. (2021, July 6). Proper diagnosis and early treatment of delirium can help offset and reverse uncomfortable symptoms. The International Journal of Neuroscience. Available from. The majority (73.3%) were diagnosed with the kind of infection that was already considered sepsis. Depression and dementia are both common in later years, and each can lead to the other, according to Harvard Health Publishing. mood changes In: Bello VME, Schultz RR. Can dementia reverse? Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse the contents of the third-party sites. This is. After all, dementia has no cure. View complete answer on sciencedaily.com January 26, 2022Mental Health, Senior HealthWritten by:Amanda Cheong, M.D. Some of these medications include statins, which are used to treat high cholesterol; acetylcholine blockers, which are often used to treat medical conditions like insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome; benzodiazepines, used to treat anxiety or insomnia; pain medications, such as opioids; corticosteroids, such as prednisone; and chemotherapy, which is used to treat cancer. While frequent urination and blood in the urine are common signs, UTI can cause increased agitation, confusion, and even withdrawal. It may come as a surprise that there's a type of dementia that may be reversible. Cognitive decline in dementia usually means a set of behavioral changes-- sometimes they come quickly and sometimes insidiously. Alzheimers Association. Available from: Vasan S, Kumar A. Wernicke Encephalopathy. I use Natur-Throid along with Lugols Iodine. Mills, B. It can be caused by the weakening of veins, which may disrupt the flow of CSF, and the swelling of white matter, which affects blood flow to certain brain areas. Your email address will not be published. Mild cognitive impairment Some older adults have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, meaning they have more memory or other thinking problems than other people their age. Is it? In particular, those two words are bound to be frightening to just about anyone. Some drugs, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, depression, and brain tumors can cause dementia-like symptoms. The material of this web site is provided for informational purposes only. These signs are similar to Alzheimers and other types of dementia. They are more likely to have a urinary catheter which predisposes them to a urinary tract infection. But cognitive decline can . This means that adopting abrain-healthy dietand lifestyle becomes critical to offset any future dementia risks due to brain injury. Wernicke encephalopathy, which is also characterized by confusion and altered mental status, may look like dementia. They may let the patient answer a battery of tests, and theyre not graded, so dont worry! If left untreated, the bacteria can also move to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, which becomes even more serious.